Jim Inhofe's new commercial may violate Hatch Act
Earlier this week, Senator Senile released a new campaign ad touting his endorsement from the authoritarian ideologues at the Fraternal Order of Police.
Titled "Back," and narrated by Tulsa County Sheriff Vic Regalado, the spot naturally goes after those pesky "liberals" and other "socialists" who are hell-bent on destroying the country and state they call home before it's all wiped out by global warming.
I considered filing this under our "Jim Inhofe Is An Idiot" series, but then I remembered it's not very idiotic for an authoritarian nutjob politician who lives in a false reality to release an ad that not only reflects his views, but also panders to his scared and frightened base that lives in the same reality.
Here's the description of the video on YouTube:
"Jim Inhofe is a life-long Oklahoma conservative. He has consistently fought for the values of greater freedoms, a strong national defense, a smaller federal government, and less government intrusion into the lives of the American people."
Yeah, that's right. Nothing says fights for "greater freedoms" and "less government intrusion into lives" than a political ad that shows a legion of cops taking a stand of solidarity behind you.
On that note, I have no clue if any of the cops in the video, outside of Sheriff Vic Regalado, are real-life cops, or just out-of-work state fair carnies who are looking to make money as extra during the pandemic. If they are real-life cops – and we'd love for you to let us know if they are – this may violate the Hatch Act.
Passed in 1939 when Jim Inhofe was finishing up his first year in the Senate, the Hatch Act is the law that's supposed to prevent cops, members of the military, and other government employees who are vested with the public's trust from making political statements.
The FOP has an article on its website that actually touches on this issue. Here's what they say about cops appearing in TV ads:
Okay, so they're saying it's okay for cops to appear in ads as long as they're not on duty, and not wearing a uniform, badge or insignia. You know, stuff like this:
If that's not wearing a uniform, badge and insignia, I don't know what it is. Then again, who really cares? It's not like they're on-duty. They're simply being used as props in a campaign ad! Plus, in Jim Inhofe's America, cops get to operate above the law. They're not expected to abide by it.
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B	Brian B. says:
If anybody wants to file a Hatch Act complaint (I might just go ahead and do it), here's how.
https://osc.gov/Services/Pages/HatchAct-FileComplaint.aspx
A trump rally with loud trucks , obnoxious horns and of course flags , drove past this afternoon. One of the popular flags read " blue lives matter" and it made me wonder how did our country get to this place where people don't seem to understand each other at all?
J	Just Another Okie says:
People should use more targeted wording than "defund the police." How about "stop the militarization of police", or "stop police brutality" instead? I would like to think wording like that would be way less decisive.
Plus, Inhofe blatantly violated the Hatch Act, but those laws only apply to us ordinary folks.
J	Joey says:
Yes, I'm sure all of the blodthirsty, rabidly pro-police, "law and order" types will agree if you can just find the perfect way to phrase your argument that doesn't make them feel bad.
K	Krakatoa says:
It'll still be opposed, but "defund the police" sounds so close to "abolish the police" that even people who want police reform take pause at hearing the statement. Better wording wouldn't fix everything, but it'd turn off fewer people.
Jay Gamble says:
Jim Inhofe is Iowan, not Oklahoman. Can Inhofe name the counties in Oklahoma he claims to serve? My 13 year old son learned them in school in about 2 weeks. For a Senator involved in OK politics for DECADES you'd think he could REMEMBER the counties? Counties do make up our state dont they? Abby Broyles for Senate!
D	Downtown okc says:
After watching him ramble on another commercial I wondered how he has a medical clearance for flying .
N	Nice day for it says:
It's time to stop, children – what's that sound?
Everybody look what's going 'round.
A	April says:
Ah Yes, ain't that fresh? Everybody wants to get down like that!
Oh, no, sweetie, we all want to be as cool as you.
D	Dani says:
This old bastard knows what he's doing. He'll win by a landslide since all his competition is doing is talking about his age. Her campaign manager must be an Inhofe plant.
G	Graychin says:
It's not hard to run for office in Oklahoma as a Republican: simply be on the "right" side of God, guns, and gynecology. As an Oklahoma Democrat, how are you going to campaign against that? You can't, if you hope to win!
Perhaps Inhofe's advanced age is his only point of vulnerability. He is one year younger than the late Justice Ginsberg. He would be 92 at the end of the coming six-year term. My Republican acquaintance with whom I sometime discuss politics never fails to comment that "He (Inhofe) needs to retire." But she's going to vote for him anyway.
Old Man Inhofe might even have TWO terms left in him. Sen. Strom Thurmond served past age 100 before the Good Lord retired him. Only the good die young.
You've got that right. What Inhofe accomplishes in pissing away a little of the millions in old donor cash, Broyles pisses away with meaningless bullshit we all have known for years.
Take a chance Abby, put some Progressive policies out there that just might get some attention.
Watch a few Kendra Horn ads, take a few notes. Please say something besides the obvious.
F	Frankenberry says:
His age and mental fitness would disqualify him in a state where people voted something other than party affiliation. Oklahomans can't wait to vote for Senator Senile and Dementia Donald. Tribalism is the only explanation because they are both so clearly unqualified to hold a position of authority.
b	bugs says:
In the immortal words of Kellyanne Conway about her own flagrant violations of the Hatch Act on behalf of her employer, the President:
"I don't really care. Blah blah blah."
That's the America in which our public officials live today. Who in this Administration is going to prosecute its allies for flagrant violations of Federal law? Barr's Justice Department?
Not bloody likely. But if you've got dirt on Hillary Clinton or Hunter Biden, Donald Trump Jr. has some immortal words about that:
"If it's what you say it is I love it, especially later in the summer."
J	Jay says:
You could do a service to Oklahoma by compiling a list of these "cops".
D	Dewy Cheatem and Howe says:
It's not a violation as it doesn't involve federal funds.
Doesn't the Tulsa County Sheriff's office accept federal funds?
S	Steve (the real one, pithy and insufferable) says:
Reading is hard. It's a Federal election. The Federal government provides funding for portions of the election including matching candidate funding up to a maximum amount. The Feds also provide funding to the states for election security; grants for voting machines and general election assistance.
Election security assistance was funded for up to $425 million. LESS THAN 1% HAD BEEN EXPENDED AS OF MARCH 31. Of course, you could have looked this up yourself but that would spoil your lie.
Who might be messing with election security? Mr. vote twice, Mr. I don't need US banks – I get all the funding I need from Russia, Mr. send me any dirt you can get on Hunter Biden?
J	Joe says:
These so-called public servants want no accountability for their actions. Vote them out when they come up for election.
Mike Gray says:
If not for Socialism, Tulsa County Sheriff Vic Regalado wouldn't have a job.
v	vonHugenstein says:
Sorry Mike- Public Services funded by tax payers, in a successful capitalist system, does not = socialism. Another socialist fallacy.
Socialism is so broad and ill-defined that public services for everyone funded by tax payers (who are all taxed at different rates) does fit under a theory for it. That said, it also fits under the ideology of capitalism too. All socialism isn't communism and all capitalism isn't laissez-faire.
The US does have some socialist programs that are wildly popular and show that you can mix some socialist policies with a capitalistic system and be just fine as a society. Of course, most of the world shows that pretty well too.
I still dislike a misinformation campaign that tells the cult that my own Payroll Tax dollars invested in Treasuries and returned back to me in 40 years or so is Socialism. I also resent trump with the full cooperation of the Fed Chairman driving interest rates to 0 in an attempt to starve taxpayers retirement and healthcare programs.
This is done daily by trump and quietly believed in by all top end GOPers.
Simply not true. You overly broad definition of socialism is just the latest attempt by the current batch of leftist to say "see, socialism isn't that bad". There simply are no successful socialist states anywhere. Zero. In addition, communism is simply socialism's ugly sister. They walk hand in hand, with communism being the ultimate goal of socialism. In spite of what Ol' Major – Bernie Sanders says, the Nordic countries and Europe are not socialist sates. These are capitalist economies burdened by an oppressive tax system, in an attempt to fund their cradle to grave entitlements and redistribute wealth, which ultimately ends up limiting the economic mobility of their citizens. It's a failed concept and a failed system.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/outlook/2020/02/22/we-danes-arent-living-american-dream-we-still-arent-socialist/
The "popular" socialist programs of which you speak (social security) again, is not socialism. I can see how you could be easily fooled, as it does have several characteristics of a good socialist program. We are forced, under penalty of law and imprisonment, to participate. (like labor unions, if it's so great, why do I have to be forced to join?) It's a massive, wasteful bureaucracy, crushed under its own red tape and inefficiency, run by, well, bureaucrats. And finally, it's completely and utterly broke, the SS fund, as dusty and empty as an Al Gore lockbox. Politicians continually scrambling to find some kind of way to wring more $ out of taxpayers and employers, so they can keep their jobs. So yeah, I can see where you'd be mistaken. Fortunately, I'm still able to keep my private investments and pension, so I can have a safe, secure retirement. You want socialism? Medicare for all and eliminating private insurance. That's socialism.
Mmm, no. Not correct. Your response sounds good for the Reagonomics crowd, but it's so full of falsehoods that it shows a real lack of economic knowledge.
" There simply are no successful socialist states anywhere. Zero. In addition, communism is simply socialism's ugly sister. "
Let's start with this. There's a little country on the other side of the world called China. You may have heard of it. It's the second largest economy in the world. It likes to call itself a communistic country, but it's absolutely not. Communism's ultimate goal is defined by the abolition of things like state, money and social classes. China doesn't have any of those things, and will never have those things, but it has a very, very powerful state, money, and a super powerful economy. It got this way by moving away from pursuing communism (doing the exact opposite of what you said socialism's goal is) to simply pursuing socialism. They do this by embracing some capitalistic tendencies but still having a lot of controls by the state (what's called "market socialism" for those who never took an econ class in college).
And thanks to the wonders of capitalism, it started kicking every capitalistic country's asses because it's socialistic tendencies actually made it very very competitive to becoming a manufacturing powerhouse, to the point where this socialist country is now the biggest boogeyman for the largest capitalistic country in the world, us. The state heavily protects their own industries while working to undercut the costs to produce goods that foreign countries have. It isn't truly a competitive market, which doesn't follow the tenets of capitalism at all, but it plays in a way that allows it to appear to be so that it can take advantage of capitalism and globalism to become a powerhouse.
Does that make China good? Hell no, China's a bad place for the people not in power, but your statement wasn't about the best place to live, it was about a socialist country being successful, and China is successful economically.
"These are capitalist economies burdened by an oppressive tax system, in an attempt to fund their cradle to grave entitlements and redistribute wealth, which ultimately ends up limiting the economic mobility of their citizens. It's a failed concept and a failed system."
Upward mobility is measured by the ability of children to outearn their parents. All those failed Nordic systems actually have higher upward mobility potential (meaning that children are likely to achieve more than their parents) than the US does (https://www.brookings.edu/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/02_economic_mobility_sawhill_ch3.pdf). (https://www.visualcapitalist.com/ranked-the-social-mobility-of-82-countries/)
There's actual research on this, instead of an Op-ed and some campaign slogans. In the US, 42% of those born in the bottom fifth of earners will stay there, compared to 25% in Denmark, 28% in Finland and Norway, etc. That's because those oppressive taxes go more towards funding better public education (which is historically the best lead indicator for economic growth in a region), and those horrible cradle to grave safety nets that ensure that financial setbacks don't completely ruin the lives of people who have them.
If they're a failed system, then they sure seem to be failing in a way that actually helps it's citizens. Which is likely why none of these failed states actually stops any of these policies and goes more towards the US.
You are right about one thing, they are capitalistic economic systems. But, again, having a predominately capitalistic economic system doesn't mean that a government has completely eschewed all socialistic tendencies, because capitalism and socialism are a sliding scale, not a single point on a line.
"And finally, it's completely and utterly broke, the SS fund, as dusty and empty as an Al Gore lockbox."
Nope. In 2019, Social Security had a trust fund of $2.9 trillion (https://www.ssa.gov/policy/trust-funds-summary.html#:~:text=A%202019%20annual%20surplus%20of,estimated%20annual%20expenditures%20for%202020.) The problem with social security is that we had a population boom after WW2 that is beginning to retire, and if we don't alter funding for that at all, then that surpluse will run out in 2035 and SS will only pay of 79% of scheduled payouts. There are lots of ways this could be fixed, but in general, it's not broke at all and isn't ever going to be truly broke.
"You want socialism? Medicare for all and eliminating private insurance. That's socialism."
It should be telling that there has yet to be a single country with socialized medicine that has voted to get rid of socialized medicine for the privatized model we have in the US.
Now, don't get me wrong. Communism does not work in large societies. China proved that, the USSR proved that. Communism has to die for society to grow. And, quite frankly, I love capitalism. I love being able to earn money to provide for my family and fund my retirement. I've been pretty good at it for most of my life.
But definition of socialism isn't "overly broad," it's correct and you're just wrong. We didn't grow because we have unfettered capitalism, we grew because workers started to make demands for some of the social contracts that we might see in a more socialistic economic system so that we don't have Pinkerton's murdering manufacturing employees anymore. Reaganites just want everyone to conveniently forget how we became an economic powerhouse because he was more in love with corporations than he was with people.
Goddang, Krak, once again you have taken the time to full explain, in the most thoughtful language, why the kind of well-worn bullshit that vonH was spouting is just that. I doubt you'll get a response from him.
Or we could just simply say we favor a more European form of Capitalism.
Great read. Thanks.
No totally socialist economy has ever succeeded. No totally capitalist economy has ever existed. Successful economies mix the two.
Like most from his side of the spectrum, vonH defines "socialism" as whatever he doesn't like. The economic definition of socialism is "public ownership of the means of production."
What's the difference between "public services" and "means of production"? We need vonH to tell us, don't we?
Many towns own their public utilities: water, sometimes gas and electric. There's the Grand River Dam Authority. Government owns most of our transportation infrastructure. "Public services" or "means of production"? Which, vonH?
Medicare-for-all is not socialism as they have in England for health care. It's an insurance plan. VA health care is socialism.
I get really sick of politicians railing against "socialism" without any contact to reality. But it's a good way to scare the sheep, so they do it.
I should have known the folks who came up with the original concept just decided to place the word "social" in the name just to play with future gopers minds. Seems to have worked well.
It's really just a matter of choice. A supposed "smart saver" in the trump era is the guy who is all in with Trickle Down Economic Theory thus has boxed himself into his 401ks or IRAs which in truth sit near the very top of the "Risk Pyramid" just under commodities speculation and oil drilling.
I think I might just want to keep my investment savvy to myself when I'm loaded up with stocks most of which are trading at insanely high P/E ratios and you have no were else to stash cash and you've been on a 12 year bull run with depression era unemployment in the middle of a Pandemic with stocks fueled entirely by new trump forced govmt. debt while jacking up the Feds balance sheet to the stratosphere. The "bull" has to eat every single day but the "bear" only needs to eat occasionally to do very, very well.
No, in the long run most Americans can and should thank the Democrats for coming up with programs that will help them make it to the finish line with a sliver of dignity. We're not all as smart as you.
Yep that's it. As opposed to corporate socialism which is what we currently enjoy. Shall we look at the wonders that system has brought us? I can go on forever, but we no longer live in a society where evidence matters. What do you want to believe.
J	J>R> says:
social programs do not a socialist nation make…
F	Fred Arthur says:
The Hatch Act applies to "state and local government employees who work in connection with federally funded programs." Not sure it applies to all those good ol' boy lard asses.
S	Steve Hager says:
They all get federal funds. All of them.
S	SlowingDown Eddie says:
Inhofe's ads rail against those wanting to "defund" the police. The president whose boots this lackey licks is calling to defund police departments in cities where his hooligans are causing chaos. Just another instance of GOP hypocrisy.
A	Aunt Ifa says:
"…in cities where his hooligans are causing chaos."
Auntie requests you submit proof to backup this claim. Looks like people are still very confused which side those who dawn black clothing are on.
*Don.
Auntie is still trying to figure out these high-tech gadgets.
Why do you refer to yourself in the third person? Or are there two of you?
Just following your footsteps, Mr. Graychins. Looks like you're the subject matter expert around this blogs.
why do you care???
So the rednecks in the 4wd pickups from God knows where, waving trump flags, spraying pepper spray, running over people, and toting ARs were what?
Obama had the same potential "crazy time" moment with Cliven Bundy's bunch at the bridge in Nevada I think. Obama and Biden were smart enough to back off even though the Government was clearly in the right and could have taken them out in less than 30 seconds. That's called Presidential restraint. We no longer have that.
Auntie cut through all the bullshit. trump is President. stitt is governor. trump inherited a machine that was running pretty smoothly and has turned it into a stinking pile of dog shit with most people who aren't outright cultists having had just about enough.
You just can't take the guy who inherited relative peace and prosperity, turned it directly South, is a proven fraudster and attempt to turn him into MAGA man. That's real "Sympathy for the Devil" stuff and 4 years is all we can stand.
Auntie recalls it was a guy who was "100% antifa" that murdered a Trump supporter in cold blood that day in Portland. Nice try, Me. last letter of the alphabet.
I'm not sure you want to play the game of deriding a single deranged guy that hates fascists?
I'll see your deranged fascist hating guy and raise you 5 indicted and convicted felons just in this administration.
Anybody else you want to discuss?
Auntie was talking about the "protesters". Did you see the news about that blm driver running people over yesterday? Very peaceful bunch, indeed.
B	Bobby Merlot says:
Inhofe's idea of getting government out of personal lives: Make government force women to give up abortion as a personal health care decision. More freedom? Make government tell people who they can marry.
trump is working on the issue. I read must be a trump lover from the far east is washing out used condoms and reselling them, maybe at a discount.
One purely capitalistic idea that needs no socialistic assistance and most likely not one single American has thought of it. trump crews ears perked right up when they heard of the kickback potential in used rubbers.
MAGA RUBBERS. Bannon could be CEO and CFO at the same time.
donald jr. II could oversee and fine tune the cleaning procedures.
That would be an appropriate job for that little cum stain Don Jr.
E	Edith says:
Inhofe wants to get rid of the abortion pill because it's not healthcare. Let's get rid of viagra. That's not healthcare either.
K	KD Selby says:
Have you seen the new attack against Abby Brotles? Shows a pic of her on the KFOR set and describes her as a "liberal" reporter. There's also a current KFOR weather guy (John Rader) clearly shown in the pic. Imagine that…KFOR depicted as a as a "liberal" news station😂😂😂
o	ovoritw says:
WHEW! Recreational marijuana would have to be legalized by the pound in order for me to imagine any state television station as liberal. The Democrats could run HITLER and not win this election!
Didn't get the memo? All news is fake, and liberal too. Mostly communists except for lumpy hannity.
*Broyles…hate you autocorrect😖
E	El Ojo says:
What part of "illegal" don't they understand?
C	Carter says:
Need to continue reading the Act and the "Who is not covered" section.
The law also exempts certain specified employees from the prohibition on candidacy for elective office. These exemptions include:
1) the governor or lieutenant governor of a state, or an individual authorized by law to act as governor;
2) the mayor of a city;
3) a duly elected head of an executive department of a state or municipality who is not classified under a state or municipal merit or civil service system; and
4) an individual holding public elective office. The latter exemption applies only when the elective office is the position which would otherwise subject the employee to the restriction of the
#4 applies to the Sheriff. Other state and municipal agency heads are not elected and cannot put political affiliation out there, but the Sheriff has to. Cannot comment on the others since unsure who they are and their agency. If they are any of the 76 remaining Oklahoma Sheriff's then it does.
c	ctnorman says:
Best ad for why they need to be defunded yet!
C	Carl says:
Next cops will insist that Caller ID list a "D" or an "R" after the address so they will know how rapidly to respond to a 911 call from that number.
A	A.A. says:
https://tulsaworld.com/news/local/regalados-appearance-in-inhofe-ad-raises-eyebrows/article_e012049e-ff56-11ea-8206-c7f95543b598.html#tracking-source=home-the-latest
S	Sooner+Magic says:
Well he seems 1000 times sharper than Sleepy China Joe, just sayin.
He's so sharp, he backs a president who thinks those killed in war are idiots. Inhofe is the chairman of the Defense Armed Services Committee so a response to trumps comments might be warranted.
Could Abby B. ask him that?
C	CAP1015 says:
Once again your argument is not that Inhofe is qualified, has the better policies, would make a better senator, your argument is he is not as bad as someone running for president against another candidate.
Which means instead of supporting him and his record of achievement you support him because he not as bad as a completely irrelevant person not connected to this particular race. And to make it even worse, you really aren't even saying he's that good, just not as bad as someone you don't like, whom you think he is less incompetent than.
E	Everylastoneofus says:
"…and less government intrusion into the lives of the American people." This should read "…and more government intrusion in the wombs of women."
H	Hot Stuff says:
Sen. Asshole will win this election easily. As long as the ol' whore is still alive. On second thought, he might win deceased.
C	Chris Hurtt says:
Wait a minute… i thought part of the cop A-hole persona, revolved around they are always on duty, even when they're not on the clock? No? …
A	AF_Vet says:
Inhofe is 86. If re-elected, at the end of his term, he-ll be 92. Hatch Act notwithstanding, shouldn't he be too old to be in office? I mean, really.
ginsberg much????
L	Lawman says:
Bad politics for a sheriff (or any other aw officer) to endorse a candidate in public. I would not do it. Period!
s	strangerinastrangeland says:
Inhofe will keep running until he dies. When he dies in office, Republicans can fill vacancy with another R. That way no risk that a dem will ever get in.


Home / Sport / The magic of the Sydney Olympics through the eyes of a child
The magic of the Sydney Olympics through the eyes of a child
admin August 29, 2020	Sport Comments Off on The magic of the Sydney Olympics through the eyes of a child 67 Views
Dad could very well have lost his driver's licence because of my hero, Ian Thorpe. Sitting in the back seat of a little blue Holden Barina, I used to hassle my old man to pretend our car was Thorpey. He knew exactly what I meant.
On the highway, we'd spot a vehicle ahead of us which, immediately in my seven-year-old mind, became Gary Hall jnr, the American freestyle champion.
A few days earlier we had watched Thorpe, the 17-year-old whiz kid, mow down Hall in the 4x100m relay in the most spectacular fashion at the Sydney Olympics.
Dad, a PE teacher who secretly loved that he'd indoctrinated his eldest son into also living and breathing sport, hit the accelerator and the race call would begin.
Ian Thorpe comes to the wall ahead of Gary Hall jnr in the 4x100m freestyle relay. Credit:IOC
"They've got about 15 metres to swim," I'd yell. "Thorpe is over Hall. Thorpe's in front…"
You can imagine the look on the other driver's face as we screamed past.
"Australia win," I exclaimed. "New world record! The Australians have just broken the Americans' stranglehold on this race."
Dad chuckled the other day when I reminded him of our little game.
The Sydney Olympics had a major impact on my childhood and I'm sure the same could be said for thousands of other children born in the 1980s and early 1990s.
Crowds at the Sydney Opera House watch the Olympic Rings light up the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Credit:Andrew Meares
When my editors asked me to write a piece on the Sydney Olympics through the eyes of a child, the nostalgia hit home.
At that age, you don't remember much of general life, but my recollections of those glorious 16 days in September are vivid. Perhaps that says a lot about how big a deal it was for not only the country, but a kid from western Sydney with a plethora of new heroes.
Like many others in 2000, I was completely hooked by the magic of the Olympics.
Everyone has their own awesome stories about Sydney – where they were, what they remember, what memorabilia they still have.
The yarns should be told over and over for years to come. Send them in. I'm all ears.
At the age of seven, everything was new. There were countries you'd never heard of, sports you didn't know existed and Sydney 2000 was all anybody talked about.
Mum says the day I was born there was a big splash on the front page of the paper about the Olympics. Three and a half weeks later, Juan Antonio Samaranch made the announcement that sent Australia – and those on the streets in the early hours of the morning – into a state of euphoria.
The front page of The Sydney Morning Herald from September 24, 1993. Credit:Fairfax Archives
Those of us who were still in nappies at the time can only hope the same occurs if Australia is awarded another Olympics, potentially in Brisbane in 2032.
By the time the Games of the XXVII Olympiad rolled around, our family, like no doubt thousands of others, opted to camp out in the lounge room with fold-out beds so we could absorb absolutely everything across the next 16 days.
My parents, both teachers, were off school and more than happy to give this wide-eyed kid a sporting education.
Watching Australia's Michellie Jones get pipped for gold by Switzerland's Brigitte McMahon at the foot of the Sydney Opera House in the women's triathlon is my first sporting memory.
While that was exciting, bigger and better things were to come that evening at the pool.
At my school, Kurmond Public at the foot of the Blue Mountains, we were encouraged to write diary entries during the Games after the Olympic torch had come to our school.
Meanwhile, the Decent household was going ballistic when Thorpe beat Hall jnr given what I scribbled down.
"When it was the 4×100 metres evryone (sic) was screeming (sic) in the house," I wrote.
Mum also helped dig up this letter (in lead pencil, of course) to Cathy Freeman.
"Dear Cathy. Ceep (sic) up the good work," I wrote. "I'll be watching you on telivision (sic). I hope you win a gold medal. When I grow up I want to win gold for Australia. I will win a gold medal in running, long jump, high jump, swimming and tennis. From Thomas Decent."
A letter to Cathy Freeman.
Talk about dreams!
Writing about sport now for a living is a great privilege – with improved spelling – but the live matches can lose their glamour and blend into one after the other. Athletes become more industry colleague than messiah.
You do forget that in a crowd, there is very likely a child who is beside themselves with joy at being able watch sport for the first time.
That was me the day my sports-mad grandmother and grandfather, Dawn and Barry, took a kid with a bowl cut, buck teeth, big ears and a blue Sydney Olympics t-shirt to watch the tennis.
My grandmother, Dawn, and I before the tennis.
We caught the bus from Round Corner, near Dural, and I'll never know if it was funny or annoying for others in earshot to listen to me yelling: "Aussie, Aussie, Aussie, Oi, Oi, Oi".
I got a photo 'holding' the Olympic flame and while I actually can't recall a single player there that day – I was a little disappointed Venus Williams wasn't in action – it was the greatest day of my life at that point.
It was not lost on me, even at that age, the buzz about Olympic Park and my poor grandparents say they had trouble keeping me in sight.
Ticket to the tennis
"In the holidays I went to the Olympic Games," I wrote in my school diary. "I went to see the tennis with my Granny and Pa. We parked at a pre-school. A magpie pecked one of my hairs. I got two magnums. I liked watching the tennis. I loved eating lunch. My favourite thing was when I bort (sic) a huge tennis ball."
My Granny still laughs about the fact I was baffled because there wasn't any playground equipment at the 'Park'.
Each day during the Games, Australia Post printed a limited edition of stamps commemorating our athletes who'd won a gold medal.
Of course, I begged mum to race to the post office and bring them home for me. The full collection is still sitting around somewhere and could be worth a few bob now.
I remember Grant Hackett beating another hero of mine, Kieren Perkins, in the 1500m.
I remember crying like Jane Saville when she was disqualified in the dying stages of the women's walk.
I remember watching our beach volleyballers win gold at Bondi while we were in a television shop.
But for some reason, I have no idea where I was for Freeman's race. I doubt I was in bed asleep but I would have watched that glorious run 100 times since and on very few occasions with a dry eye.
But my favourite memory of Sydney was Jai Taurima, the ciggie-smoking long-jumper who came from nowhere to pinch silver.
Jai Taurima won a silver medal in the men's long jump. Credit:Adam Pretty
While American Carl Lewis was my track and field hero, I wanted to be like Taurima and represent Australia in long jump, as I'd made it clear to Cathy.
A few state carnivals was as good as it got but I can thank Jai for the reason why the long jump is the first event I circle on the schedule.
No doubt there are hundreds and hundreds of Australian professional athletes out there now whose inspiration to become the best in the world came from someone who did something special in Sydney.
The 2000 Olympics well and truly ignited my love of sport, as well as a less-than-discreet crush on a 13-year-old Nikki Webster.
My parents bought me her CDWe'll Be One, which was one of the songs she performed at the Closing Ceremony.
That year for Christmas, instead of putting in a long list of things I wanted from Santa, the only thing I asked for was the Sydney 2000 Official Souvenir Book.
I am not a religious person but it's the closest thing I've owned to a bible.
Within weeks, I'd show off to our family friends that I could recite every host city going back to Athens in 1896.
Then someone in the family purchased '16 Days in September' on VHS. The intro music I can still hear crystal clear.
The Official Souvenir Program
I have no doubt the Sydney Olympics planted the seed for me wanting to become a sports journalist.
Since I can remember, covering an Olympics is all I've ever wanted to do.
I got zero school work done during the Beijing Olympics and tried convincing mum to let me take two weeks off. I then covered London 2012 swimming races off the TV in the middle of the night for a start-up website while at university, before blogging the Rio Games for the Herald.
When Australia once again hosts an Olympics, there will naturally be comparisons to Sydney, but there shouldn't be.
It was a moment in time, regardless of what stage of life you were in, that you wish you could bottle up forever.
They truly were the greatest ever.
Sports news, results and expert commentary delivered straight to your inbox each weekday. Sign up here.
Tom Decent is a journalist with The Sydney Morning Herald
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If only walls could talk, what a tale the Maiden City would tell
By Eamon McCann
July 16 2010 12:14 PM
Derry isn't short of dividing Walls. There's one for each of the epochs we were out front in Europe.
It would be pushing it to pretend that the fate of Europe in the 17th century hung on the outcome of the Siege of Derry. It is of Aughrim that that might (just about) be said. But Derry grabbed the glory anyway. Typical, some would say.
Derry, Aughrim, Enniskillen and the Boyne were battles in the War of the Grand Alliance, fought between, on the one hand, (Holy Roman) Emperor Leopold I, Charles II of Spain, Victor Amadeus II of Savoy and William III and, on the other hand, Louis XIV of France, James II, and an assortment of sub-princelings.
Pope Alexander VIII weighed in on the side of the Alliance on account of Louis not treating the Church with the deference and donations the pontiff thought proper.
Had the Alliance come a cropper, the idea of absolute monarchy would have been validated everywhere. Bourbon Absolutists would have been strengthened in rejection of even the mildest parliamentary restraint.
The war was, in its way, about civil rights.
And, whatever about the continuing effect of the conflict on Ireland, in the broad sweep of European history the civil righters were inside the Walls.
The indomitable fervour of the citizens within wasn't entirely fuelled by righteous hostility to the Divine Right of Kings, but wasn't an atypical spasm either.
Presbyterians in Derry who were up for sedition in 1798 took inspiration from the Siege. A great-grandson of one of the Derry 13 - the Boys who slammed the Gates in James's face - was Unitedman Oliver Cromwell Bond, named after the great English republican.
I learned this from a top Apprentice Boy during the May Day rally held by Derry Trades Council in the Memorial Hall on the Walls in 1988. A talk on 'The Siege and '98' was followed by a discussion on the question 'Must we always walk like beasts of prey through fields our fathers stained with blood?' I cannot remember whether we arrived at a conclusion. But it was a great night.
The second period in which Derry was at the cutting edge of European history came in the late 1960s. As revolt ricocheted around the continent - London! Paris! Rome! Berlin! We shall fight and we shall win! A better chant might have been contrived had it been left to the Bogside - Derry once more rose to the occasion, and wrote its history on a Wall.
Our horizons ranged even wider than Europe. The phrase 'You Are Now Entering Free Derry', first inscribed on a gable at Lecky Road in January 1969, was plagiarised from a slogan of the Berkeley Free Speech Movement of the time, at Berkeley College, California. It signified that revolt in Derry was to be understood in the context of what seemed at the time a global uprising against oppressive power.
A quarter of a century after the initial inscription, I came across the now-celebrated artist Colin Darke one afternoon on a ladder with a paint brush coating the edifice in a warm shade of red and rendering the letters into luminous yellow.
The intention, I gathered, was to agitate ideas during a community festival just under way. The colours were the colours of the Viet Cong flag. Back in 1969, I noted to myself, that would have been obvious to almost everybody thronged around the gable.
However, even as I savoured the deftness of the reference (and my own sharpness in spotting it), Colin explained that the paint had been given to the festival free by Carlin's on William Street and these were the colours Mr Carlin had handed out.
Still, art works in mysterious ways. The point stands. What Walls mean can change over time, and be changed again.
One of a number of brilliant young artists in Derry these days, Paul Ruairi, has produced a series of representations of Free Derry Wall as a decrepit outcrop set in eerie, dull green light, its slogan smudged and faded, a weary icon overlaid with sour observation: 'Tourist Trap', 'Morbid Museum', 'Past Tense', 'Why Bother?'
There's no need to wait until 2013 to make Derry a cutting-edge European - never mind UK - city of culture again.
We could ask Colin Darke and Paul Ruairi and the many others of like ilk around town to paint the Wall and the Walls according to the colour-codes of their Derry imaginations, so that each might look at the other anew.


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2017 Jeep® Compass Fact Sheet
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The 2017 Jeep Compass is powered by the 2.0-liter I-4 World Gas Engine, which produces 158 horsepower (117 kW) and 141 lb.-ft. (191 N•m) of torque, mated to a five-speed manual transmission.
The 2017 Jeep Compass offers an optional 2.4-liter I-4 DOHC 16-valve dual variable-valve timing (VVT) engine, which produces 172 horsepower. Optional transmissions include the CVT2 transmission, the Powertech six-speed automatic transmission or the continuously-variable transaxle with low range (CVT2L) with the Freedom Drive II Off-road Package that delivers a 19:1 overall crawl ratio.
Jeep Compass is available in three drivetrain configurations – standard front-wheel drive, available Freedom Drive I and the Trail rated Freedom Drive II Off-road Package.
Jeep Freedom Drive I 4x4 is an available full-time, active four-wheel-drive system with lock mode designed to give drivers year-round assurance with the ability to handle rough weather and low-traction conditions. This active four-wheel-drive system is recommended for daily use, including slick conditions that come with rain and light snow. Freedom Drive I also features a lockable center coupling, giving drivers the ability to put the Jeep Compass in four-wheel-drive lock mode to handle deep snow, sand and other low-traction surfaces.
The Jeep Freedom Drive II 4x4 Off-road Package is an available four-wheel-drive system that delivers Jeep Trail Rated capability in Compass form. The Freedom Drive II Off-road Package includes a second-generation CVT2L that engages when the off-road mode is activated, 17-inch all-terrain tires and aluminum wheels, a one-inch raised ride height, a full-size spare tire, skid plates, tow hooks, fog lamps and manual seat height adjuster. The available Freedom Drive II Off-road Package is recommended for off-road situations that include steep grades, occasional wheel lift and rock or log climbing. The Freedom Drive II Off-road Package delivers a 19:1 overall crawl ratio.
For 2017, the Jeep Compass offers two models:
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The Jeep vehicle lineup consists of the Cherokee, Compass, Gladiator, Grand Cherokee, Renegade and Wrangler. To meet consumer demand around the world, all Jeep models sold outside North America are available in both left- and right-hand drive configurations and with gasoline and diesel powertrain options. Jeep is part of the portfolio of brands offered by leading global automaker and mobility provider Stellantis. For more information regarding Stellantis (NYSE: STAL), please visit www.stellantis.com.
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Christian McBride Big Band: The Good Feeling
Artikkelnr.: AMAC 1053
Mac Avenue - Audiophile Recording - Dobbel (2) 180g LP
Mer info fra plateselskapet
Mac Avenue
180-gram double LP set
2012 Grammy winner for Best Large Jazz Ensemble
THE GOOD FEELING
Artist Charlie McBride Big Band
Tittel The Good Feeling
Sjanger Jazz
Format Vinyl - 180g
Plateselskap Mack Avenue
Utgivelsesdato 2012
Platenummer AMAC 1053
In a stellar career that continues to showcase his remarkable talents as a consummate musician, bassist Christian McBride reaches another milestone with the release of The Good Feeling, his first big band recording as a leader and newest release for Mack Avenue Records. For over 20 years, McBride has appeared in numerous musical settings with just about any musician imaginable in the jazz as well as R&B and pop worlds. From playing with the likes of Milt Jackson, Roy Haynes, Chick Corea, Herbie Hancock and Pat Metheny; to playing with and/or arranging for the likes of Isaac Hayes, Chaka Khan, Lalah Hathaway, Sting and the legendary James Brown — what has always been unique about McBride is his versatility. In addition to his work in the neo-soul arena with The Roots, D´Angelo, Queen Latifah and others, the Philadelphia native has also led his own ensembles: The Christian McBride Band, A Christian McBride Situation and his most recent group, Inside Straight (fresh off their critically acclaimed 2009 effort, Kind of Brown). There are many sides to the musical persona of Christian McBride, and The Good Feeling has him realizing another one: As the leader, arranger and conductor of his big band.
01 Shake'n Blake
03 Brother Mister
05 Science Fiction
06 The Shade Of The Cedar Tree
07 The More I See You
08 I Should Care
09 A Taste Of Honey
10 Bluesin' In Alphabet City
11 In A Hurry
Christian McBride & Inside Straight: Kind Of Brown
Mack Avenue Records - Audiophile Recording - Dobbel (2) 210g LP
Christian McBride Big Band: For Jimmy, Wes And Oliver
Mack Avenue Records - Audiophile Recording - 180g LP


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Animals arriving from facilities other than approved commercial sources may not meet the health standards that this facility sets. For this reason, animals must be obtained from approved commercial vendors if available from them. Investigators are asked to verify that the animals required cannot be obtained from an approved source before submitting a request to obtain them from a non-routine vendor. A list of approved vendors is available from the Animal Ordering and Receiving Clerk.
Rodents acquired from other universities or institutions may not have as comprehensive health histories and pathogen testing as performed by our approved vendors. Such rodents pose a potential threat to our specific pathogen free (SPF) colonies. Health information about animals requested from non-routine vendors will be evaluated by a DLAM veterinarian. Criteria for approval include the presence of a colony health surveillance program and a negative history of pathogens that are excluded from this institution. If pathogens have ever been detected in the room housing the requested animals, they must have been eliminated by the same means as an approved vendor would use (i.e., depopulation/rederivation).
Non-routine source animals that are destined for chronic housing at this university must undergo a quarantine period before coming in contact with established SPF colonies. Screening tests will be performed before the animals may be housed with resident populations. Rodents may be bred once during the quarantine period, but will not be released for experimental use until test results demonstrate that the health status of these animals equals that of the resident populations.
Animals requested for acute use may be accepted at this facility even if their health history does not match that from a commercial source. In this case, the animals will remain in a quarantine room throughout their stay here, which will be brief, usually less than two weeks. Their manipulation/sacrifice must be done in a way that will not threaten the health of resident animal populations. The DLAM veterinarians will work with investigators to determine if/how animals requested for acute use can be safely acquired and utilized.
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Arkansas AD wants to talk to Texas Tech Coach Chris Beard, sources say
By: Bob Holt
Published: Thursday, April 4, 2019
Texas Tech coach Chris Beard holds up the net after the team's win over Gonzaga in the West Regional final in the NCAA men's college basketball tournament Saturday, March 30, 2019, in Anaheim, Calif. Texas Tech won 75-69. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
FAYETTEVILLE -- The search for the University of Arkansas' next basketball coach likely could extend into next week.
That's because a top target is still coaching his team, and it's not NIT finalists Shaka Smart (Texas) or Casey Alexander (Lipscomb).
Arkansas Athletic Director Hunter Yurachek wants to talk to Texas Tech Coach Chris Beard -- who has led the Red Raiders to their first NCAA Tournament Final Four appearance and a matchup against Michigan State on Saturday -- according to sources, but any conversation will have to wait until the team's season ends.
It's debatable if Beard would leave Texas Tech for Arkansas or any other job considering he has a 57-16 record the last two seasons with the Red Raiders.
But Arkansas officials hope to at least gauge Beard's interest and make him an offer to return to the state to coach the Razorbacks.
Beard, 46, spent the 2015-16 season as the University of Arkansas at Little Rock's coach and led the Trojans to a 30-5 record, Sun Belt Conference regular-season and tournament championships and an NCAA Tournament appearance, where they beat Purdue before losing to Iowa State.
During the Red Raiders' run to the Elite Eight last season, Beard signed a six-year, $19 million deal that is paying him $2.8 million this season with the contract gradually increasing to $3.3 million through the 2023-24 season
The contract has a current buyout of about $6 million if Beard were to leave after this season.
Texas Tech Athletic Director Kirby Hocutt told the Dallas Morning News on Wednesday that he's ready to upgrade Beard's contract after this season.
"It would be my intention to be able to have that conversation Tuesday or Wednesday," Hocutt said. "And Chris and I have talked about this."
Hocutt said discussions between he and Beard about a new contract began in late February.
"I would say out of our focus and Coach Beard's focus and commitment to this team and this season, we decided to hit the pause button until the season is over," Hocutt told the Morning News.
Texas Tech has begun construction on a $30 million practice facility, and Hocutt said he believes in the school's ability to continue investing in its basketball program and keep Beard.
"I'm extremely confident that Texas Tech is a great basketball job," Hocutt said. "I'm extremely confident that we have the right coach, one of the best coaches in the country leading our program right now."
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Bob Holt
Bob Holt is a reporter for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. A graduate of the University of Missouri, he is a member of the Football Writers Association of America, and a voter for the Heisman Trophy and AP Top 25 basketball poll. Holt has been awarded Arkansas Sportswriter of the Year three times.
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Arkansas gives tailback Jackson a choice to make
Georgia prep tailback Ebony jackson (6-1, 210) visited Arkansas this weekend and ...


San Diego Free Press
Grassroots News & Progressive Views
Who's Winning the 'War on Christmas'?
December 27, 2012 by Source
Wishing Everyone a Happy/Merry……?
By Beau Grosscup
The grocery cashier handed me my change and receipt. With a cherry voice and sparkle in her eye, she said: "Merry Christmas."
"Happy Hanukah to you" I sweetly replied. A frown crept across her brow.
"I'm not Jewish,' she said.
"I'm not Christian," I responded. I walked away leaving a slightly confused Christian cashier pondering what had just happened.
I had no doubt what had occurred.
For over a decade of Decembers, the Christian Right, led by Bill O'Reilly of Fox News cable, has charged a War on Christmas (and thus Christianity) is under way. They claimed that secular and non-Christian groups and organizations were purposely discouraging or disallowing the celebration or mention of Christmas and its religious symbols and meaning. Their often-ferocious counter-attack has focused among other things on corporate policy that instructs employees to wish customers a multi-cultural/religious neutral 'Happy Holiday.'
For his part, Mr. O'Reilly has highlighted government policies and political leaders who insist on the separation of church and state in public institutions (mainly schools) and public arenas. They, Mr. O'Reilly insists, are 'secular progressives' out to undermine, if not do away with 'traditional' America; a nation he and others claim was founded on Christianity.
In its recent December 17, 2012 issue, Newsweek declared the War on Christmas over and that Christmas (and Commander–in-Chief Bill O'Reilly) had won.
To the amazement of many, a gleeful yet no less determined Mr. O'Reilly continues to lead his counter-attack against the War on Christmas. To understand why he and others continue to do battle requires exploring what the so-called War on Christmas was/is about and what are its larger implications.
In short, it is not a war on Christianity or even Christmas per se. It is a struggle against the privileged position of Christianity (and thus Christmas) in a society based on the First Amendment right to freedom of religion and the separation of church and state.
It is this 'tradition' of privileging Christianity that Mr. O'Reilly and other anti-War on Christmas forces are determined to defend, indeed, restore. Most are not, Mr. O'Reilly included, out to undermine the First Amendment principles related to religion. They are however, determined to re-establish Christianity's traditional privileged position as 'first among religions.' After all, they claim, the United States was founded on Christian values (tolerance, love thy neighbor, etc.) what they label the 'philosophy of Christianity.'
In addition, from the Nation's very founding a majority of North Americans were and are now Christian. Is not, they ask, democracy based on majority rule? From their vantage point, all this was settled long ago, evidenced by the acceptance as 'normal' the tradition of Christian-based prayer in school, nativity scenes on public property or publicly funded, Christmas as a Federal holiday, Christian-based symbols (Christmas trees), the use of the Bible as swearing in ceremonies, etc.
The so-called War on Christmas challenges the primacy of these traditions. It does so armed with the principle of equal opportunity; the same weapon that challenged and eventually defeated other cherished 'traditions' such as slavery, Jim Crow, race/gender/class/religion/sexual preference employment and voting discrimination and on and on. Thus, while Newsweek, in claiming Christmas (Christianity) won the War on Christmas, can cite some small victories such as saying 'Merry Christmas,' and calling the symbolic tree a Christmas tree, a larger battle remains engaged on multiple fronts.
Bill O'Reilly and others know this, which is why he has purposely broadened his nightly counter-attack on the War on Christmas to a permanent battle against his self-anointed 'secular progressives' and their multi-cultural agenda. It is also why the political Right funds and conducts their multiple 'Wars:' a War on Women to re-establish the privileges of 'traditional' patriarchy, a racist War on Drugs to maintain the 'tradition' of institutional racism, a War on the Middle and Working Class (unions in particular) to enhance capitalist class privilege and power; a War on Voting Fraud to maintain the traditional privileges of White political power now facing the reality of shifting voter demographics; and of course a War on Terror aimed at securing and enhancing the privileges of imperial power.
Thus, despite Newsweek's proclamation, the War on Christmas is not over nor will it be for a long time. It is only one small piece of a much larger struggle that engages multiple forces in multiple venues as large as the global stage and as small as the grocery store check out counter. Yes, thanks to Bill O'Reilly and others, my cashier can confidently wish everyone a 'Merry Christmas' without fear of retribution or criticism. A small victory for their side I guess, my secular progressive self tells me. Still, her confused look at my Happy Hanukah greeting tells me a progressive chord may have been struck. Indeed, some learning may have even taken place. Next time, I think I will wish the Merry Christmas-maker a Happy Quanza and see where that takes us.
Beau Grosscup is a Professor at California State University Chico.
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Jim Bliesner says
Probably the little grocery store clerk doesn't listen to Bill O'Riely. Probably he was just trying to be nice to you vs being a part of a larger conspiracy. I think it's OK if he says that and if you wish him a pleasant Hanukah back. We all have something to learn about other peoples faiths. Saying Happy Holiday is kind of….blah, washed out, uneventful, could be anywhere any time anybody? Could be any holiday not yours nor the clerks. I think we are a nation of diversity and I like that and it's OK to be different and to share one another s experiences and perspectives rather than hiding them under some neutral meaningless language and sentiment.
When the kid said that he was sharing with you his experience.
To hell with O'Rielly's ratings campaign. Not necessary if we all just be who we are and not be embarrassed or intimidated or offended by differences. I hope Christmas day was restful and a respite from work or whatever routine and I hope, now that I know you are Jewish that Hanukah was inspirational and heartfelt for you and your family.
Goatskull says
Festivus for the rest of us.
Frances O'Neill Zimmerman says
I'm with Bliesner on this one, but less tolerant than he is. I miss having people say "Merry Christmas" to me and the fake "Happy Holidays" makes me feel irritable and impatient. When it's Christmastime, I like to say "Merry Christmas" to the Von's cashier (who where I live is usually Anglo and unlikely to be Muslim, Jewish or Buddhist.)
I don't wish "Merry Christmas" to my Jewish friends or to the Muslim or Buddhist ones either. Once I'm over remembering the imprint of Christmases past, however, I can totally relate to the power of the winter solstice, darkness, fire and lights, so I hear you, Goatskull. Unfortunately, I don't know the pre-Christian words for "Season's Greetings."
Beau Grosscup says
Francis; please see my comment to Jim. Both of you are personalizing (being personally affronted by the semi-diminished tones of 'Merry Christmas') what is a large scale and ongoing societal power struggle. The fact that you take time to recognize the diversity of religions and their celebration among your friends and at the store counter is to be applauded. It is something the Christian Right fights hard against in both the private and public arena. They prefer we just assume Christians are nearly everywhere/everybody and act accordingly in our daily lives for the sake of 'tradition.'
For my part Jim, you make two mistakes in your analysis. 1. Saying Happy Holidays is not meaningless nor neutral. It is a way to recognize the equality of celebrations around this time of the year and thus the diversity you so much desire. It is a way of not privileging any of those celebrations and recognizing all of them equally. It is the reason the Christian Right fights so hard against corporations and other institutions public and private from setting policy that privileges no one and include all. (These are the same folks who in every other venue vigorously support the private sector's right to set and enforce policy on employee behavior!). They demand the privileging of Christianity. The so-call War on Christmas doesn't prevent you from hearing or saying Merry Christmas. It is just alerting us to the community of celebrations ongoing at this time as is embodied in 'Happy Holidays.' 2. I am not Jewish.
bob dorn says
Happy New Year, everybody!!
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‧Taiwan News
Home / Taiwan News
Fri, Jun 27, 2014 - Page 4 News List
Medical tourism a profit ploy: groups
NOT FOR SALE:Setting up for-profit medical centers in the pilot zones will aggravate problems such as staff shortages and high medical care costs, protesters said
By Stacy Hsu / Staff reporter
Members of healthcare reform groups protest outside the Taipei International Convention Center yesterday against the government's plan to set up profit-making international medical centers in the proposed free economic pilot zones.
Photo: Liao Chen-huei, Taipei Times
Several healthcare reform groups yesterday panned the government's medical tourism plan, saying it was just a ploy for favoring big corporations by allowing them to set up profit-making medical centers in the proposed free economic pilot zones.
Dozens of representatives from the Doctors' Working Conditions Reform Task Force, the Taiwan Radical Nurses Union, the Taiwan Healthcare Reform Foundation, Covenants Watch, the Taiwan Association for Victims of Occupational Injuries and the Black Island National Youth Front staged a protest outside the Taipei International Convention Center, where the Asia segment of the annual World Medical Tourism and Global Healthcare Congress was being held.
More than 400 medical experts from a dozen countries are attending the two-day congress, the first time it is being held in Taiwan.
The opening ceremony yesterday morning was temporarily interrupted when a small group of protesters rushed toward the speaker's podium while chanting slogans and holding cardboard signs that read: "Health is not for sale."
"The congress here may be branded as an 'academic seminar,' but it is in fact a platform for the Ministry [of Health and Welfare] to spread its propaganda on international medical centers and the free economic pilot zones," said Ellery Huang (黃致翰), a physician and member of the Doctors' Working Conditions Reform Task Force.
Huang said the ministry should refrain from "goofing around and pandering to deep-pocketed corporations," particularly at a time when the country's National Health Insurance program is heavily in debt and healthcare professionals face adverse conditions at work.
"We hereby demand that the ministry work to identify the root causes of the nation's collapsing healthcare system and stop promoting something that seeks only to satisfy the needs of big corporations and overseas patients," Huang said.
"We also urge the ministry to invest more resources to improve the employment environment of frontline medical personnel who have fallen victims to an 'M-shaped' healthcare system, instead of attempting to lure the country's talent into the for-profit medical centers in the [planned] pilot zones," Huang said.
Huang also called on the ministry to endeavor to safeguard the public's right to healthcare and avoid its commodification, as well as to prevent financially disadvantaged patients from being marginalized because of some doctors' slavish pursuit of wealth.
According to the government's preliminary plan, the proposed international medical centers will primarily provide high-end physical examination services and cosmetic surgeries, which will not be covered by the National Health Insurance program and must be paid by patients out of their own pockets.
Taiwanese doctors will be allowed to take on part-time jobs at the centers and work a maximum of 20 hours per week.
Taiwan Healthcare Reform Foundation researcher Chao Meng-chieh (趙孟捷) identified three major problems in the government's plan to set up the centers.
"First, the nation already faces a severe shortage of healthcare personnel and the establishment of the centers would only aggravate the problem," Chao said.
Second, the ministry's relaxation of hospital regulations for the centers will only make under-the-table irregularities even harder to detect, Chao said.


books by Matthew R.R. Morrese
Book: The Life and Lore of Winterstide (The Canticles Mythos Series Book 4) by Matthew R.R. Morrese
categories: Book, Mythology, Short Stories, Adventure, High Fantasy, Winter, Collections, Christmas, Religion, War, Original, Epic Fantasy
Matthew R.R. Morrese
about this book: Canticles is for readers who are tired of rehashed fantasy worlds. There are no elves, no dragons, no dwarves. It is a brand new epic fantasy universe built from the ground up. I went back to the origin of human myths to build the Realms and its twelve races from the creation of their world on. Canticles is 4000 years of created history with its own origin mythology. And Canticles is more than just literature, though that is at its core. It is a family of creatives producing art, music and even film inspired by the literature I write.
The Life and Lore of Winterstide is technically the fourth anthology in the series, though it was published third. The other Mythos have continuing stories, whereas Winterstide stands alone, focusing on the traditions and rites of a world caught not only in the grip of Winter, but also between the Old and the New during the Age of Shadow. The myths and legends of the Realms of Aegis are brought to life in this beautiful, fully illustrated anthology to cool your mind and warm your heart. "This is the New Face of High Fantasy."
Other books by Matthew R.R. Morrese
• Book Review: The First Sires (The Canticles Mythos Series Book 1) by Matthew R.R. Morrese
• Book Review: The First Fallen (The Canticles Mythos Series Book 2) by Matthew R.R. Morrese


UPS drivers may go on strike to demand better working conditions
Monday, September 12, 2022 by: Belle Carter
Tags: Climate, delivery trucks, environment, Esteban Chavez Jr., exhaustion, extreme heat, extreme weather, freedom, freight drivers, high temperatures, human rights, labor union, Liberty, revolt, salary, Teamsters Union, transportation, uprising, UPS, welfare, worker strike
(Natural News) Unionized United Parcel Service (UPS) drivers are expected to go on strike as they call for better working conditions.
The agreement between UPS and the Teamsters Union, which represents freight drivers and warehouse workers, is set to expire on July 31, 2023. Given this, a fresh round of negotiations is set to start in the spring between the company and the labor union.
The 350,000-strong Teamsters in UPS are demanding air conditioning in the back of their delivery trucks after extreme heat caused driver injuries and deaths. Aside from this, they are also demanding better pay packages and benefits.
UPS drivers make around $95,000 annually on average, with an additional $50,000 in benefits for a total of $145,000. Semi-truck drivers make even more than that amount. According to Business Insider, the median salary at UPS amounts to $44,254.
This was not the first time UPS employees went on strike. An earlier demonstration from 1997 saw workers demand full-time positions and the union call for continued control over the pension fund. This 15-day strike affected 80 percent of shipments and costed UPS around $780 million.
In a statement, the company said it wishes to come to a peaceful conclusion that "provides wins for our employees and that provides UPS the flexibility to stay competitive in a rapidly changing industry."
"UPS and the Teamsters have worked cooperatively for almost 100 years to meet the needs of employees, customers and the communities where we live and work. We believe we'll continue to find common ground with the Teamsters and reach an agreement that's good for everyone involved," the company stated.
Meanwhile, Teamsters President Sean O'Brien reminded striking workers of a $300 million strike fund to cover their salaries. "Whether or not there is a strike, that's totally up to the company. We are going to utilize as much leverage as we can to get our members the contract they deserve," he said. (Related: Union sues NYC to block termination of UNVAXXED detectives, citing rising crime rates.)
Brutal summer heat shutting down UPS drivers
One of the battle cries of the impending UPS strike is the demand for air conditioning at the back of trucks, where heat can hit triple-digit temperatures in some parts of the country during the summer.
As UPS makes record profits of $12.89 billion and $6.8 billion for the first two quarters alone, their drivers report the grueling toll of making hundreds of stops a day in sweltering conditions. A typical crew is moving hundreds of pounds of cargo and organizing packages in the back of their brown truck. With shifts that can last up to 14 hours, workers are having a tough time.
Early in August, Teamsters demanded urgent details from UPS on the company's plans, training materials, and assessments on protecting workers from excessive heat.
"People are just dropping weekly here. It's not something where that one driver in Arizona is going viral," said Moe Nouhaili, a Las Vegas UPS driver. "It's not just the way that UPS is treating workers, it is also how they are making us work, expecting us to meet these unrealistic productivity numbers even though the weather."
In early July, 24-year-old Esteban Chavez Jr. was delivering packages when he suddenly collapsed during his shift in California. His family believes he died due to high temperatures.
"Everyone knows, it is pretty hot out there, those trucks are a hot box," his father Esteban Chavez Sr. said. "They have all these guys running around, delivering packages and trying to meet their quotas and do their jobs."
Teamster 804 Brooklyn President Vinnie Perrone lamented that nothing was done about the heat-related incidents.
"They are just turning a deaf ear to it – a blind eye," Perrone said.
Watch this video of a UPS employee walking like a zombie and passing out due to the intense heat.
This video is from the Alex Hammer channel on Brighteon.com.
FedEx announced plans to go all-electric by 2040; promises to pull carbon out of the atmosphere, depriving food crops of nutrition.
Amazon delivery drivers complain about being unfairly punished by AI cameras.
FedEx delays are just the latest in a long string of supply chain disruptions blamed on Omicron (but really due to lockdowns).
Walmart announces expansion of drone deliveries to 4 million households in 6 states.
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https://www.naturalnews.com/2022-09-12-ups-drivers-protest-demand-better-working-conditions.html
UPS drivers may go on strike to demand better working conditions


Three Understated Metrics For First Community Corporation (NASDAQ:FCCO) You Should Know
Petra Goodwin
Simply Wall St. September 3, 2018
As a small-cap bank stock with a market capitalisation of US$191.3m, First Community Corporation's (NASDAQ:FCCO) risk and profitability are largely determined by the underlying economic growth of the US regions in which it operates. Given that banks operate by reinvesting deposits in the form of loans, negative economic growth may lower the level of saving deposits and demand for loans, directly affecting those banks' levels of cash flows. Post-GFC recovery brought about a new set of reforms, Basel III, which was created to improve regulation, supervision and risk management in the financial services industry. Basel III target banking regulations to improve the sector's ability to absorb shocks resulting from economic stress which may expose financial institutions like First Community to vulnerabilities. Unpredictable macro events such as political instability could weaken its financial position which is why it is important to understand how well the bank manages its risk levels. Strong management of leverage and liquidity could place the bank in a protected position at the face of macro headwinds. We can gauge First Community's risk-taking behaviour by analysing three metrics for leverage and liquidity which I will take you through now.
See our latest analysis for First Community
NasdaqCM:FCCO Historical Debt September 3rd 18
Why Does FCCO's Leverage Matter?
A low level of leverage subjects a bank to less risk and enhances its ability to pay back its debtors. Leverage can be thought of as the amount of assets a bank owns relative to its shareholders' funds. While financial companies will always have some leverage for a sufficient capital buffer, First Community's leverage ratio of 10.21x is very safe and substantially below the maximum limit of 20x. With assets 10.21 times equity, the banks has maintained a prudent level of its own fund relative to borrowed fund which places it in a strong position to pay back its debt in times of adverse events. If the bank needs to increase its debt levels to firm up its capital cushion, there is plenty of headroom to do so without deteriorating its financial position.
What Is FCCO's Level of Liquidity?
Handing Money Transparent
As abovementioned, loans are quite illiquid so it is important to understand how much of these loans make up the bank's total assets. Usually, they should not be higher than 70% of total assets, which is consistent with First Community's state given its ratio of 62.1%. This means slightly over half of the bank's total assets are tied up in the form of illiquid loans, leading to a sensible balance between interest income and liquidity.
What is FCCO's Liquidity Discrepancy?
FCCO profits by lending out its customers' deposits as loans and charge an interest on the principle. These loans may be fixed term and often cannot be readily realized, yet customer deposits on the liability side must be paid on-demand and in short notice. This mismatch between illiquid loans and liquid deposits poses a risk for the bank if unusual events occur and requires it to immediately repay its depositors. Relative to the prudent industry loan to deposit level of 90%, First Community's ratio of over 72.7%is appropriately lower, which places the bank in a relatively safe liquidity position given it has not excessively lent out its deposits and has maintained a suitable level for compliance.
First Community ticks all the boxes for operational prudency in terms of liquidity and leverage. These factors often sideline next to other fundamentals but are equally important to consider as part of the investment thesis. Its high liquidity and low leverage levels mean the bank is well-positioned to meet its financial obligations in the case of any adverse and unpredictable macro events. We've only touched on operational risks for FCCO in this article. But as a stock investment, there are other fundamentals you need to understand. Below, I've compiled three important aspects you should look at:
Future Outlook: What are well-informed industry analysts predicting for FCCO's future growth? Take a look at our free research report of analyst consensus for FCCO's outlook.
Valuation: What is FCCO worth today? Has the future growth potential already been factored into the price? The intrinsic value infographic in our free research report helps visualize whether FCCO is currently mispriced by the market.
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Rule Change Would Put 'Unsatisfactory' Carriers Out Of Service
August 17, 1999 • by Staff
The Federal Highway Administration has asked for comments on a proposal to automatically shut down carriers that don't correct "unsatisfactory" safety ratings after 60 days.
Currently, motor carriers that receive an "unsatisfactory" rating following a regulatory compliance review are barred from transporting placardable quantities of hazardous materials in interstate commerce and cannot be used by federal agencies. The regulation gives them 45 days to correct problems contributing to the poor rating. The proposed new rules extends that prohibition to all types of freight but gives non-hazmat carriers 60 days to make necessary changes.
FHWA is acting under authority granted by Congress last year but the proposal will likely rekindle debate regarding the entire safety rating system. Most trucking organizations argue that the current system is too complicated, too reliant on record keeping rather than performance, and gives too much leeway to inspectors. This change, therefore, simply gives more teeth to a flawed program. FHWA says it is considering changes to the process but, until then, must rely on what's currently in place to carry out the Congressional dictate.
Comments are due September 15. The proposal was published Aug. 16 in the Federal Register which can be accessed on the Internet at http://www.access.gpo.gov/su_docs/aces/aces140.html.
How to Use Facebook to Retain Drivers
Driving a truck can be a lonely, stressful job. But no driver has to be completely isolated in the age of social media. Facebook, in particular, can be a powerful tool in making drivers feel like they're part of a team and connected to family and friends even on the road.
The Art & Science of Mountain Driving
A truck driver can drive down a mountain 100 times too slowly, but only once too fast. An inexperienced driver on a steep grade could spell disaster unless properly trained.
Q&A: Talking ELDs with FMCSA's Top Compliance Expert
We spoke with Joe DeLorenzo, director of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's Office of Enforcement and Compliance, to get an update on how the changeover from AOBRDs to ELDs is going.
App Helps Prevent Rollovers, Brake Fade on Grades
How do we keep drivers from driving too fast through curves or descending mountain slopes? By showing them precisely how fast they should be driving. A new app called Road-Aware can do just that.
J.J. Keller Develops Training Program to Fight Human Trafficking
The training will help drivers understand the importance and risk of human trafficking. It will teach them to respond accordingly when they suspect it's taking place.
Fuel-Efficient Drivers: Slow Down and Plan Ahead
One owner-operator shares his advice on how and why he maximizes his fuel efficiency while on the road. Part of our "MPG Top Guns" series.
Steel Hauler Jump Starts Driver Training
The small steel-hauling fleet received a safety-related wake-up call that something needed to change. Documented driver training has made a difference.
Uber Freight Facility Insights Reinforce Need for Speed
Uber Freight published its first report delving into the results of its new Facility Ratings, reinforcing what we already knew -- keeping trucks and drivers waiting at facilities is the biggest mistake shippers make when it comes to being a "shipper of choice."
Barr-Nunn Offers Higher Pay for Team Drivers
Barr-Nunn Transportation has announced higher pay and more options for home time for its team truck drivers.


Tags California Code of Regulations
Tag: California Code of Regulations
What to the Black third striker is your Parole Board hearing?!...
With a crystal clear lens, Ronnie Winn sorts out the mumbo jumbo of CDCR and Board of Parole language to expose the bottom line realities for indeterminately sentenced non-violent third-strikers in CA prisons.
George Jackson, 50 years later
In this powerful writing of a revolutionary history, education as foundation becomes glaringly obvious and unequivocally key to achieving true freedom.
Parole threatened for organizing and writing for Bay View
The majority of employees at La Palma Correctional Center who work on Compound 3 fit the description of a Security Threat Group due to their unlawful conduct, but who investigates them or makes them answerable? Certainly not themselves. Yet I am being targeted for my work; a work that was created to build a constructive Humanity; while these prison officials are rewarded for work that assaults the very fabric that makes us human and seeks to destroy lives.
Court rules no punishment for California prison hunger striker
In the early days of the 2013 Prisoner Hunger Strike, Jorge Gomez refused up to 12 consecutive meals. The California Department of Corrections struck back by issuing him a Rules Violation Report. The same fate befell untold numbers of other prisoners who'd starved themselves to peacefully call attention to their torture. In an opinion filed on March 25, 2016, the California Court of Appeals ruled that Gomez was guilty of no rules violation for refusing meals during the strike.
Prisoners, where is thy victory?
"You assist an evil system most effectively by obeying its orders and decrees. An evil system never deserves such allegiance. Allegiance to it means partaking of the evil. A good person will resist an evil system with his or her whole soul." – Gandhi. Corrections Corporation of America and California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation is the epitome of this quote, and it is not enough for those reading this to agree with the truths delineated herein.
Prisoners report on San Quentin health crisis: Legionella outbreak prompts water...
On the 10th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, government officials and first responders continue to lack the ability to plan for emergency situations. San Quentin State Prison, California's oldest prison, is still on a virtual lockdown – or "modified program" – as normal programs for all inmates have ceased since Thursday, Aug. 27, 2015, after "one confirmed case of Legionnaires' disease" was discovered, Warden Ron Davis' Aug. 27 bulletin said.
SHU-shifting: An update on and overview of the Ashker v. Brown...
Some nine months after allowing certification of two classes in Ashker v. Brown, Judge Claudia Wilken issued her written order granting Plaintiffs' Motion for Leave to File a Supplementary Complaint on March 9, 2015. Pursuant to the order, a supplemental class of plaintiffs – those who've spent 10 years or more in Pelican Bay State Prison's SHU but have recently been transferred to other California SHUs – may proceed with their Eighth Amendment claims as class representatives.
Amplify the voices these prisons try to silence: Fight censorship from...
Departments of corrections and state legislatures are putting into place chilling bans on free speech and expression by prisoners, formerly incarcerated persons, family members, friends, journalists, advocates and activists. Pack the courtroom for the hearing on Abu-Jamal v. Kane, challenging Prisoner Gag Law SB 508, on Thursday, Feb. 26, 10 a.m., in U.S. Courthouse, 228 Walnut St., Courtroom 2, Harrisburg, Penn.
Solidarity had the might to move the mountain of prison torture...
CDCR deliberately lied about their implementation of the Security Threat Group Step Down Program sanctioned by Gov. Jerry Brown. Gov. Brown and CDCr administrators are currently violating our United States constitutional rights, the California Code of Regulations and other rules, laws, policies and standards with the intent of breaking down and destroying men and women prisoners, family bonds and moral ethics here in California.
California's most dangerous Security Threat Group
The comment period prior to formal adoption of the STG Pilot Program closes April 3, when a hearing will be held from 8 a.m. to noon at the East End Complex Auditorium, 1500 Capital Ave., Sacramento, CA 95811. Submit your comments before April 3 to CDCR, Regulation and Policy Management Branch, P.O. Box 942883, Sacramento CA 94283-0001, by fax to 916-324-6075 or by email. If you have questions, call branch chief Timothy Lockwood at 916-445-2269.
Social consciousness, prison struggle and perseverance: a personal account
There are hundreds of prisoners who have been falsely validated as members or associates of prison gangs that can viscerally relate to my experience, from living life as an outlaw in society to being prosecuted and convicted to prison, only to be persecuted while in prison, fundamentally for educating oneself by trying to heighten one's sense of cultural and social awareness.
Treating us like slaves: an analysis of the Security Threat Group...
For the past two years we've heard the state claim it's reforming its long term segregation policies and practices by implementing a Security Threat Group (STG) Step Down Program (SDP). Officials claim the program is a significant move towards a more behavior-based system, yet they remain extraordinarily vague about the "ultimate conclusion." What exactly is "gang activity"?
Institutionalized racism and censorship are relatives
The only defense that can protect the people is to assemble the power of the people. We are our only defense. We have suffered enough injustice at the hands of a very evil system – CDCr and PBSP – and it is time that we prisoners express that pain and suffering by all means at our disposal, because CDCr and PBSP are censoring SF Bay View in order to censor prisoners, because we are exposing cruel and unusual treatment of prisoners. We collectively commend and value the courage and commitment as well as the principled stand that the SF Bay View is taking to speak truth to power.
Prisoners' peaceful protest to resume July 8 if demands are not...
In response to CDCR's failure to meet our 2011 Five Core Demands, the PBSP-SHU Short Corridor Representatives respectfully present this notice of, and basis for, our individualized, collectively agreed upon decision to resume our nonviolent peaceful protest action on July 8, 2013. The upcoming peaceful protest will be a combined hunger strike-work stoppage action. Once initiated, this protest will continue indefinitely – until all Five Core Demands are fully met.
How CDCr scams California taxpayers
For the past 40 years, prisoners have been removed off general population due to being validated as alleged prison gang members or associates. This is the sole reason for our placement: not behavior. CDCr started this indefinite lockup in the mid- to late 70s and soon realized that there was an economic incentive for labeling prisoners as a threat to the safety and security of the institution.
12,000 California prisoners on hunger strike
As the renewed prisoner hunger strike enters its second week, the federal receiver's office reports that at least 12,000 prisoners were participating during the first week. Family members of striking SHU prisoners reported that their visits this weekend were denied by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, which is threatening participants with disciplinary action and banning two lawyers who represent the strikers. "Historically, prison officials have used extreme measures, including physical violence to break strikes," says Dorsey Nunn, a member of the mediation team working on behalf of the strikers.
Pelican Bay threatens hunger strikers
It is a historical truth that repression breeds resistance, which is why we prisoners at Pelican Bay State Prison's SHU/CMU units took the initiative to come together and go on a hunger strike in order to say to our oppressors that ...
Who are the hunger strikers? How prisoners land in Pelican Bay's...
Sympathy for the prisoners on hunger strike in the Security Housing Unit at Pelican Bay State Prison is limited due to the widely held impression that these men — and indeed most supermax prisoners — are the "worst of the worst." According to conventional wisdom, in order to land in the most secure units in the prison system, these men must have committed terrible crimes in the first place ...


Testing Begins for Slinky Dog Dash Roller Coaster
By Stephen Porter - Project Manager
www.wdwinfo.com
Reportedly the Slinky Dog Dash coaster, which will be one of the major attractions in the upcoming Toy Story Land in Disney's Hollywood Studios, has begun its safety testing. The ride vehicle was spotted on the track, which seems to confirm that the ride is working through its operational acceptance testing.
While there is clearly a lot of progress on Toy Story Land it still be some time until any guests get to ride this attraction. It was announced earlier this year at the D23 Expo that Toy Story Land will open next summer.
Credit: Blog Mickey
Image: Disney Parks Blog
Tags: Disney's Hollyood Studios, Slinky Dog Dash Roller Coaster, Toy Story Land, Walt Disney World
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Toy Story 4 Bo Peep Meet & Greet Coming to Disneyland and Walt Disney World this Summer
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Return of the titans
Wall Street titans, who make the move to government after serving on the boards of our nation's largest corporations, may not have the public's best interest at heart. There are those who serve time in government, then move back to Wall Street. How reputable could we expect a powerful individual to be who has experience with both?
Jon Corzine, former CEO of Goldman Sachs, served in the senate and as governor of New Jersey, before making his way back to Wall Street. His most infamous endeavor is likely his current one as CEO of MF Global. The company's recent collapse is under investigation by SEC and the FBI. In an attempt to save themselves, billions of dollars were transferred out of customer accounts. MF Global filed for Chapter 11 in October of 2011.
Corzine was preceded by Henry Paulson as CEO of Goldman Sachs in 1999. Paulson later made the move to Treasury Secretary during the Bush administration. In 2008, the Paulson Plan was rolled out. His previous position as CEO of Goldman Sachs could be considered a conflict of interest. Some have accused him of being a Wall Street insider, as Goldman Sachs benefited the greatest from the AIG bailout. Alongside Ben Bernanke, Paulson had a great influence on the bailout of AIG.
Chris Christie preceded Corzine as governor of New Jersey. Christie has been accused of misusing his position when he awarded a "no bid contract" to a former US Attorney who investigated Christie's brother in a fraud case with Wall Street firm, Spear, Leads and Kellogg. One could assume the attorney had earned that contract by choosing not to prosecute Christie's brother.
These three powerful men certainly fit the original line up of the "Clash of the titans" American Carnage tour. "Slayer"―Corzine, brought ruin to MF Global. "Megadeath" ―Paulson, who is familiar with dealing in units has seen to the death of millions of units. "Anthrax"―Christie, not completely understood, but thousands of cells can fit into a single pinhead. Keep an eye on Wall Street and the return of the titans.


Don Kakulus Records welcomes new artistes
A newly established record label, Don Kakulus Records, has signed on two artistes― Igere Ufuoma, aka UF, and Bodunde Joshua, better known as Fizydel. According to the label, both artistes have the skills and talent to compete with their counterparts in the music industry.
Speaking on the new signings, the Chief Executive Officer of the record label, Oluleke Olaiya, noted that the mission was to lead a lifestyle of entertainment while focusing on the development of the entertainment industry through the production and promotion of quality sounds.
Olaiya added, "These new artistes are different and unique in their own ways and I am confident the industry is not ready for the kind of vibe they are bringing. DKR is all about good music for everyone."
On what prompted his decision to float a record label, he said, "Music inspired the label. Music has always been a part of my life from childhood. I was in the studio recording one day when a line came to my head and I recorded it. Few months later, I was brainstorming with my team on materialising the vision I had of a label and that was how DonKakulus was born."
Nigerians easily forget artistes no longer making waves — Tony Tetuila
Social media helping new artistes gain popularity — Danny Young
Nothing wrong with competition between artistes –Seyi Shay
I'm driven by urge to break records — MissKoko
Focus Dance was initially rejected by many artistes — Ajimovoix
AFRIMA: Why Wizkid, Burna Boy, Davido, may lose to younger artistes